American soil
Georg stood in front of his family. No one was talking; they seemed frozen in place as reality set in. They were about to step on American soil. Gretl and Marta were clinging to their mother's hands. The others were watching their father.
In a moment they saw a military officer walk up the plank to them. Captain James had come to hand off his valuable passenger to the American receiving the Captain.
"Commander Roberts, please meet Captain Georg von Trapp."
The two men shook hands. "This is a real privilege, sir. When I received my orders to meet you here I was startled. As a young midshipman at the Naval Academy, I studied your heroic exploits. Never did I dream that one day you would be standing on American soil and I would be shaking your hand. This is a real honor."
"You're far too kind Commander."
"James, are their bags ready."
"The stewards will follow behind you."
"Captain you will by-pass the immigration office. An immigration officer is waiting at the hotel to formally accept everyone into the United States; everyone has been cleared."
Kurt had heard the words Naval Academy; he filed that in his memory to ask his father about it later.
Maria stood in awe; they were being treated like royalty. The only person missing was a king or queen which of course the United States didn't have.
Georg took her hand; giving her a reassuring squeeze. "Commander, please meet my wife Maria." It seemed that even in America some men retained the European habit of kissing a woman's hand. And that's what the commander did. "Pleased Madam von Trapp."
"No, madam; Maria please."
"Okay then, I'm John."
"And I'm Georg."
A charted bus was waiting for them for the short ride into the city. The children each had a window seat. They sat trying to look up at all the tall buildings. They were in too much awe to say very much.
The bus stopped in front of the Plaza Hotel; the finest in the city. Not only was it a hotel; parts were residences occupied by famous Americans. This was always the hotel for dignitaries. They went directly to a large meeting room.
"You will only be here for a few minutes Georg. Please make yourselves comfortable." Everyone found a seat; Gretl and Marta sat with Maria on a loveseat. They were a tad bit scared.
"Now I can officially welcome you to America. Children did you have fun on the ship?"
Friedrich stood and spoke for all of them. "Yes sir, we did. Thank you."
Maria was so proud of him – he certainly was his Father's son. She glanced at Georg whose eyes spoke of his pride.
"Georg, I have identification cards for all the adults; carry it at all times. You will need it if you intend to get a driver's license; or to open a bank account. I have a document listing all your children's names; you may be asked to show it, if you enroll them in public school.
"I have passes for the Empire State building, the world's tallest building; the city zoo and a performance at Radio City Music. I hope you will enjoy the city. If you need anything; the hotel manager has my contact information. I'll see you in two days to escort you to Washington, DC; and your new home just across the Potomac River in Virginia."
They said their goodbyes. Maria took a deep breath. "I never expected all this Georg."
"I didn't either; let's find our rooms. Now children, these elevators are a little different than on the ship. They go faster; you will want to hold on to the rail."
All their rooms were on the same floor; but they needed to go up in two elevator cars. Georg and Maria waited for the others. He distributed the keys.
Their rooms were more than adequate. Each of them overlooked Central Park; a large piece of green space in an otherwise city of concrete and bricks. It was mid afternoon and everyone was hungry.
The restaurant on the first floor were prepared for them, a small banquet room was waiting for them. The German waiter was assigned to them described each dish in detail; many were similar to Austrian specialties; only they had different names. Maria took out her notebook Paul had given her on board the ship.
"What do you have there dear?"
"My own German-English dictionary; I started it on the ship. I'm going to add the English names of our food."
Maria kept her little book with her every where they went. By the time they left New York City she had a very long list of words. She practiced them daily.
Their two days in the city went by quickly. They had enjoyed them but they were tired of all the noise and congestion. They were more than happy to leave. John met them at the front door with their bags in hand; anxious to leave.
"Did you enjoy New York City?"
"Yes we did John, but were not city people. We need some wide open spaces.'
"Georg, you will work in the city, not at all like New York City, but your home is just what I think you will like. Let's get loaded."
The bus left New York City and was quickly in New Jersey. The family already noticed the difference; no large cities and plenty of farm land.
John explained. "There are mountains to the west." They could see the distant tops of mountains. "If we go east you will find the ocean." The terrain turned into miles and miles of farm land. The crops had been plowed under, waiting for the spring planting season.
This type of landscape continued until they entered Washington, DC. "This is named for our first President, George Washington. It's not a state; it's identified as the District of Columbia."
They drove by a mammoth building. "Georg, this is the War Building. This is where you will work."
"Father, I hope you won't get lost in there."
"I think I'll be fine Brigitta. I'm sure I will have an escort."
"Yes, Georg, you will."
They crossed a long bridge into the state of Virginia; Arlington Virginia; a small community of homes with lots of land.
"Maria, do you like it so far?"
Every time Maria had the chance she would try to speak in English. "Oh yes John. It's beautiful."
"You're doing very well Maria. You must be a quick learner. There are mountains not too far away. I'm sure you will enjoy them. They get a lot of snow in the winter but here not so much."
They drove up a hill to a large two story white home with a wrap-around porch.
"Is that our home?"
"Yes children."
The bus stopped, they couldn't get out fast enough. They ran around the porch; they saw the backyard. "Come see everyone." Kurt tugged at his mother's hand.
"Look Mother, a place where we can play tag. Maybe even have a net for volleyball and badminton."
"I see Kurt." The back door opened.
"Maria come inside, it's beautiful."
Maria and the others looked around the furnished home. Maria smiled. "Georg, it even feels like home."
"So you like it Maria?"
"Very much John," again spoken in her best English.
Katia had been admiring the kitchen; she had opened the cabinets and the refrigerator. She ran out to the living room. "Maria, there's food in all the cabinets and the refrigerator."
"Of course, Miss Katia, we Americans know you must eat. She too spoke in her best English, "thank you, thank you."
"Georg, my contact information; don't hesitate to call. I'll check on you tomorrow."
"John, I can't thank you enough. I can't thank the American government enough. I can't wait to get to work."
"Enjoy a few days with your family; you deserve it." Georg said goodbye at the door and watched the bus pull away.
Katia and Isabel had started dinner. Liesl and Louisa found the china and the silverware and set the table. It was a little cozy for fourteen people but they managed. Later they would find the extra leaf for the table.
After dinner Georg invited everyone to sit on the floor with him. "We have a lot to be thankful for," Maria told them. "Starting with your Father's idea to use the Festival to escape; and the Sisters Berthe and Margareta removing the car parts. Your Father and Uncle Max preparing the farmhouse."
"Don't forget you friends the Kellers."
"And now we add Ralph and all the Americans."
"I only wish it didn't have to be because of evil and hate."
"I do too Liesl. We can overcome evil by doing good works and showing everyone we have God's love in our hearts."
Their bags still sat at the foot of the stairs. "Let's get our bags and go upstairs and find your bedrooms." There was no squabbling over rooms; they were almost all equal in size. Liesl willingly took the smallest. Katia and Isabel shared; as did Stefan and Phillip; Max took the other smaller room. Of course Georg and Maria found the master suite with a small room attached. Maria smiled when she saw it; she said nothing.
Nobody had very much to put away; they soon returned to the large living room. There were some built in cabinets; when Brigitta opened them she found an assortment of board games; checkers and a chess set; decks of playing cards and poker chips.
The children played games while the adults talked. It wasn't long before Maria noticed yawns from the children and even herself. "I think we've had a full day, let's go to bed. Tomorrow we need to explore out neighborhood. Children go get ready for bed, your Father and I will be up soon to kiss you good night."
Everyone went to bed. After checking on the children, Maria and Georg retired to their suite. "When are you going to tell everyone Maria?"
"When I'm sure."
"I'm sure Maria."
"What do you mean?"
He drew his wife to him. "Haven't you noticed your fullness?" Maria followed his eyes and became embarrassed. His eyes were focused on her chest. "That's a tell-tale sign darling. Aren't you a little tender?"
Maria lowered her head against his chest. She knew her husband knew what he was sensing; after all he had been through seven pregnancies. "I thought I had shrunk my bras."
Georg couldn't help but laugh. "No dear you're pregnant; your body is preparing to feed this little one." Maria kept her head against his chest.
"Don't feel so bad about not knowing; your past didn't have any association with pregnant women. They don't teach this in school."
"No they didn't. I only learned how the baby grows inside of me. I think Katia and Isabel both know. I suppose I should end their curiosity."
After breakfast the children were anxious to walk around the neighborhood. Maria deferred her news until later. They were happy to find everything they needed was close by, just like it had been in Bern. Of course Maria was looking for a church; she found it only two blocks from their home.
"Georg, we should inquire about school for the children."
The children groaned. "Children you've had a long break; you can't ignore your studies."
Kurt surprised his Father. "I want school to begin. I want to go to the Naval Academy."
"When did you decide this son?"
"After I heard Commander Roberts talk about it; I want to help my new country."
They found the parish priest, Father Michael. The five older children were enrolled; Maria still wanted to teach Marta and Gretl at home. She knew they would go to school in the fall; this baby was due sometime this summer.
It was after dinner that Maria decided to make the announcement. "Before everyone goes off, I have some news." Katia and Isabel smiled.
"Have you been keeping a secret Maria?"
"I suppose you could say that. If all goes well, there will a baby in this house later this summer."
"Yippee, I won't be the youngest any more."
"No Gretl, you won't. You'll be my helper."
"We'll all help," seemed to be spoken simultaneously by everyone.
Over the next few weeks the family settled into a normal routine. Georg was picked up everyday by a chauffer who drove him into the city. The children walked to school; and just like in Bern, Maria helped Stefan in the garden after the girls' school work was finished.
Georg had purchased a family car to begin to explore the surrounding area. Tonight, a beautiful spring evening, he and Maria were stepping out for an evening alone. With five adults in the house, Maria felt comfortable leaving the children.
Georg had chided Maria's reluctance at first. "Maria, I think five adults can watch seven children." Maria finally agreed with her husband. Everyone was waiting for Maria to come down the stairs. Maria had bought a new dress.
This was a stylish flapper dress. Its loose fitting style was perfect for her; she was now in her fourth month and had a small little bulge.
"Maria, that color reminds me of your blue dress."
"That's why I bought it Isabel; my husband likes me in blue." Georg smiled broadly.
"Shall we go Maria?" He offered her his arm. Maria had to kiss the children goodbye and give out the usual motherly reminders. They stood and watched as the car drove away.
It was a Friday night; all the shops were open later than usual. Georg had a surprise for his wife. His first stop was a jewelry store. Maria thought it was an odd place to visit.
"Sir, may I help you?"
Georg did not hesitate. "Yes, we would like to see your wedding rings." Maria's eyes watered.
"Come to my private viewing room. Take a seat; I will bring you some selections."
"Georg, what are doing?"
"What we didn't do at our wedding; I always regretted it, but at the time I only wanted to be married and one step ahead of the Germans."
"Here you are; I brought several different designs and sizes. Take your time, try them on."
Maria thought they were all beautiful. She selected a band with an engraving of what looked like leaves of Edelweiss. Georg found the matching men's band. "Are you sure Maria?"
"I am, do like them?" He smiled warmly; it really didn't matter to Georg. They placed them on the small piece of velvet. The clerk returned.
"Come with me while I box them for you." Georg paid for them.
"Here you are Maria, you carry mine." He placed the box with Maria's ring in his coat pocket. Georg had seen a little park with a few benches. It was dusk; the sun had gone behind the trees.
"Sit with me Maria."
Maria was suspicious of her husband. Georg reached into his pocket and removed her ring from the box.
"May I have your left hand? It's true; a wedding band is only a symbol of marriage. I want the world to know you belong to me and that my love for you is as endless as the circle of this ring. Thank you Maria for having faith in me; enduring our escapes and being my faithful companion; you are the one I love more and more each day."
"Georg, look what you have done." Tears had filled her eyes and began to trickle down her cheeks. Maria wiped them away and reached for the box in her pocket. Maria had noticed weeks ago that Georg had removed Agathe's ring.
"Georg, which finger shall I place my ring for you?"
"On my left hand Maria, just like yours."
Maria reached for it. "I give you this ring Georg as a timeless reminder of our marriage. I too, want everyone to know you are mine and that you are loved with all the love that it is within me. I will always be your faithful companion. I love you."
It was now darker; no one was around, they kissed passionately. "Shall we celebrate Maria?"
"Of course, you have a restaurant selected."
"I do; our table is waiting for us."
The couple returned home quite late. It would be around the breakfast table that their rings were noticed.
The weeks became months, summer came in a hurry; school was out in the middle of June. The little room in the master suite had been painted and decorated in shades of light green and yellow; waiting for the birth of the baby. Maria and the two ladies had spent endless hours shopping for the baby.
Maria had an uncomplicated pregnancy. She was somewhat apprehensive about the birth. She and Georg had found a doctor who would deliver the baby at home. American woman had begun to have their babies in the hospital; sedated and alone.
Georg had witnessed the birth of six of his children; only one was born while he was at sea. He assured Maria she would be fine. It seems that what would be taught in later years at childbirth classes about breathing properly through a woman's "pains," as they were called back then, was practiced by most women.
Georg instructed Maria. Maria was stoic; she had endured abuse as a child. She followed her husband's instructions. And after only five hours of labor, Maria gave birth to a healthy baby.
This baby was the first American citizen in the von Trapp family. A baby that was loved by all; spoiled, probably; doted on by Georg, definitely; and Maria held this all in her heart, a heart that was filled with love.
Yes, I'm going to end my story; everyone can decide for themselves if they had a girl or a boy. I've written several stories about their babies. "A Baby and Boyfriends," is one of my stories that tells you all about a doting Father.
One more chapter to complete this story; to give answers all your questions about others in this story. I think some of my ideas will surprise you.